4 Value-Adding Tips For Your Garage

If you are thinking of selling your home, or simply looking to add value, you can’t disregard the garage. The garage can make or break the appeal of the home swaying potential buyers one way or another. For how much use the garage gets it is surprising that it is not a higher priority. Most everybody wants a nice, functional garage, but few actually do something about it.

What makes the garage unique is that you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to have it stand out. Just a few modern updates can completely change the look and appeal of the garage. Regardless if you are thinking of selling or simply want to give your garage a facelift there are a few basic things you can do. Here are four tips to instantly improve your garage.

1. New garage door.  If you are like most homeowners, the garage door is one of the last things you think about. However, it is often one of the first things people see when the view your home.  An old, outdated garage door can make the rest of the house feel outdated before stepping foot inside. On the flip side, a new modern door adds a wow factor that leaves an impression. It is also a great investment for your property. A new garage door should give you ten to fifteen quality years of use. Depending on style, size and quality a new garage door will run you between $500 and $1500, a relatively small amount for something you will have for a decade plus. A garage door may not be high on your list, but it is essential for the first impression of your home.
2. Storage.  You don’t need to be a handyman or a car enthusiast to use the garage for storage. Like most families there is a good amount of extra stuff thrown in the garage for years. When this stuff gets piled up it looks cluttered and unappealing. Fortunately, there are many storage updates in recent years that can declutter any garage. A trip to any local big box home store can give you multiple ideas for almost any garage layout. Instead of piling everything up along the back wall, you can use storage shelving for bikes and other large items. For less than a few hundred dollars you can instantly change the cluttered feel and add storage to the garage.
3. Paint.  There are several painting updates you can do in your garage. For starters the walls in the garage probably haven’t been touched in years. Start by giving them a fresh coat of paint, with a neutral color. Additionally, you can also give the floor an update. There are several high gloss garage floor paints that can instantly transform the overall look. Some of these add paint chips and specs that look clean and high end. Consider how your garage floor and walls look now and think about what a fresh coat of paint can do.
4. Lighting and outlets.  There shouldn’t be much of a drop off between the functionality in your garage and the rest of the home. Most outdated garages also have outdated lighting. Not only should you update the lighting for working in the garage, but it is also helpful when getting out of your car and into the house. If you can add motion lighting that is a plus, but at a minimum make sure the lighting is sufficient. You should also update the overall number of outlets in the garage. You will use these outlets much more than you think for yard projects, Christmas lighting, etc.

The garage may not be very high on your property to-do list but it can transform your property for the better. Whether you are selling or just looking for ways to spend your tax refund check, improving the garage must be a consideration.